It seems like every day we praise Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.
The Commanders were back on the field for OTAs Wednesday, and Forbes took center stage again. Except this is not a rookie minicamp, Forbes was lining up opposite Washington’s star receivers, Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
And the rookie held his own.
Here are some practice reports from Wednesday detailing Forbes’ day against McLaurin and Dotson.
Oh man..Rookie Emmanuel Forbes just perfectly timed a PBU in front of Jahan Dotson from Sam Howell ..and again just now over McLaurin #Commanders
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) May 31, 2023
From Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
Emmanuel Forbes with a pair of PBUs in 7v7 against Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) May 31, 2023
Zach Selby of commanders.com weighs in:
Now Forbes working against McLaurin. Same thing. Forbes forces the PBU on a contested pass https://t.co/JVn5i2QJgD
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) May 31, 2023
It’s OK for fans to get a little excited. Cornerbacks and wide receivers are featured heavily in 7-on-7 work. If someone tells you an edge rusher or offensive tackle are standing out, you can take that in stride because there is no hitting allowed. But with cornerbacks and wide receivers, either you can cover, or in the receiver’s case, you can get open and catch the football.
Going up against McLaurin and Dotson is a good education for Forbes early. The two receivers are going to win their share of battles, but it sounds like Forbes is winning some of his battles, too.
Training camp should be fun, seeing the rookie going up against McLaurin and Dotson.